Zimbabwe commemorates International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Zimbabwe today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.

His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator delivered the United Nations Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at a colourful event held at the Embassy of Palestine in Harare today.

The UN Secretary-General said the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People comes at a time of diminished hope for peace.

“I am deeply saddened by the growing number of Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in the spiral of violence engulfing the occupied West Bank. Each casualty fuels fear and yet more violence. I urge all parties to take immediate steps to reduce tensions and break this deadly cycle.

“The long-standing drivers of conflict – including the ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, home demolitions, and evictions – heighten anger, despair, and hopelessness. Meanwhile, Gaza continues to endure debilitating closures and humanitarian crises. I reiterate my call on the parties to engage to end the closures of Gaza and improve the living conditions of all Palestinians. UNRWA remains a vital lifeline for Palestine refugees. I commend the donors for their support and urge all to step up and provide predictable and sufficient funding to enable UNRWA to fully deliver on its mandate. The United Nations’ position is clear: peace must advance – the occupation must end,” the UN Secretary-General said.

He reiterated the UN’s steadfast commitment to realizing the vision of two States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

He made a rallying call for stakeholders to offer support to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, justice, security, and dignity for all.

Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Tamer Almassri painted a gory picture of Israeli atrocities on his country. He alluded to a sad state of affairs in which the Jewish minority from Europe was aided to set up a state in Palestine after the Second World War, heralding Israeli occupation that has continued since then.

“The Jews had suffered from the Holocaust, we accommodated them but now they are subjugating the natives of Palestine after the Second World War where they established a new state. Palestine now has the highest number of refugees in the world and had one of the lowest literacy levels. Our people are fighting to protect Palestinian dignity.

Hon Kindness Paradza, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister said Zimbabwe shares a history of oppression and colonialism with Palestine, hence the solidarity and unwavering friendship.

“Palestine and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial relations. Zimbabwe supports the 2 state solution. I witnessed pathetic apartheid by Isreal when I visited Palestine. The unjust treatment of Palestinians should be condemned. The government also condemns the killing of an Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli army,” Hon Paradza said.

Hon David Musabayana, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade paid tribute to Palestinian Embassy for honouring the media and people who understand that the pen is mightier than the sword.

“The narrative created by writers shapes the new world order. I am humbled by the Palestinian Embassy for honouring women writers,” Hon Musabayana said.

Prominent Author Patience Chiyangwa, one of the founding members of Zimbabwean Women Writers (ZWW) was excited to be in the project in solidarity with the Women of Palestine.

“As women of the world, it is important that we stand with each other in all aspects rallying behind our men. I had to be part of the project with fellow Zimbabwean women and let all our voices of solidarity be heard, with the pen being mightier than the sword! As a Zimbabwean and internationally recognized poet, it is more important to be speaking with one voice with my nation,” Chiyangwa said.

Famous journalist, Catherine Murombedzi wrote and recited a poem in solidarity with the people of Palestine titled “Probably” in which she chided Israel for saying the late Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was probably shot by the Israelite army. She urged Israel to make a formal apology.